Baltimore Bus Accident Attorneys

Aggressive Bus Accident Lawyer Representing Clients in Baltimore, MD

In Baltimore, the Maryland Transit Administration operates hundreds of bus routes across the city, and private charter buses and school buses also add to the volume of large vehicles that share the roads with passenger cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. When a bus is involved in a collision, the consequences can affect multiple people. Passengers aboard the bus, people in other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians all can suffer serious harm.

Bus accident cases rarely are straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, the liable parties may include the bus driver, a private company, a government agency, or other drivers. Dealing with complex legal issues while recovering from the serious injuries that have occurred in a bus accident can be difficult. Fortunately, bus accident victims do not need to address these issues on their own. At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys can handle these cases on behalf of our clients by identifying the responsible parties and advocating for the compensation they deserve.

Who Can Be Hurt in Bus Accidents?

When a bus accident occurs, there are multiple people who may be injured, including:

Bus Passengers

People riding inside a bus at the time of a crash will often be at risk of harm. Most buses do not have seatbelts for passengers, and a sudden stop, collision, or rollover can throw riders from their seats. Passengers may strike the interior surfaces of a bus, be thrown against other riders, or be ejected from a bus entirely.

Occupants of Other Vehicles

When a bus collides with a car, truck, SUV, or other passenger vehicle, the people inside the smaller vehicle can be seriously harmed by the impact. Due to the weight difference between a large bus and a passenger car, even a relatively low-speed collision can cause severe structural damage to the car and catastrophic injuries to its occupants.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Many buses operate in busy city environments where pedestrians and cyclists are present. A bus that runs a red light, makes a wide turn without checking for people on foot, or drifts into a bike lane can strike and seriously injure someone. Buses may not be able to stop quickly, and they have a great deal of momentum, so the injuries inflicted when they collide with pedestrians or cyclists can be life-threatening.

Injuries in Bus Accidents

Bus passengers may suffer traumatic brain injuries due to an impact with the interior surface of a bus. These injuries also can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a bus or when another vehicle collides with a bus. Spinal cord injuries also may occur when victims experience an impact trauma that damages the neck or back.

Broken bones are common in bus accidents, and they may include fractures to the pelvis, ribs, arms, or legs. Passengers or people struck by buses can suffer serious bodily harm. Internal organ damage may also occur, and it can lead to bleeding and complications that may put a person's life and health at risk. Soft tissue injuries or lacerations also are likely to occur when cyclists or pedestrians are struck by buses.

For victims, injuries may require extended hospitalization, multiple surgical procedures, and months of rehabilitation. They may face permanent limitations on their ability to work or complete daily activities. The financial impact of an injury may be addressed through a personal injury claim, and a person may also be compensated for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

How Bus Driver Negligence Can Lead to Accidents

Bus drivers operate large vehicles on congested roads, and they are required to follow tight schedules. Their decisions while behind the wheel affect the safety of everyone around them. There are multiple forms of negligence by bus drivers that can result in accidents, including:

Distracted Driving

A bus driver may have multiple issues competing for their attention. Their ability to focus on driving may be affected by interactions with passengers or other distractions. Even a brief lapse in focus can make the difference between a safe stop and a devastating collision.

Speeding and Reckless Operation

Bus drivers may exceed speed limits, accelerate aggressively in traffic, or make abrupt lane changes without checking their surroundings. These behaviors put everyone in and around their vehicle at risk. A bus that is traveling too fast will take longer to stop, and a driver may be unable to avoid colliding with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist.

Fatigued Driving

Bus drivers who work long shifts, operate on irregular schedules, or do not get adequate rest between shifts may experience fatigue or drowsiness. These issues can affect their reaction times and cause other impairments that can lead to accidents.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

Running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or making illegal turns can increase the risk of a serious collision. Bus drivers are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. When a bus driver commits a traffic violation, this can increase the likelihood of a crash.

Improper Handling at Bus Stops

Accidents can occur when a bus is stopping, opening and closing its doors, and pulling away from a bus stop. A driver who accelerates before passengers have safely disembarked, fails to position the bus safely at a stop, or does not allow enough time for boarding may be responsible for injuries due to falls or collisions with people on foot.

Who May Be Held Liable for a Baltimore Bus Accident?

Liability for a bus accident is rarely limited to the bus driver alone. Other parties that may be held responsible include:

Private Bus Companies

Charter bus companies, tour operators, and private shuttle services are required to hire qualified drivers, conduct background checks, provide training, and ensure that buses are maintained correctly. They must supervise their employees to ensure that buses are being operated safely. When a company fails in any of these responsibilities, it may be liable for the injuries that occur in a bus accident.

Government Transit Agencies

The Maryland Transit Administration operates the bus system that serves Baltimore. The Baltimore County Schools Department of Transportation oversees school bus operations. When a government-operated bus is involved in an accident, victims may be able to file claims against these agencies. However, these cases involve specific procedures and timelines, and legal representation is crucial to ensure that claims will be filed correctly.

Vehicle Maintenance Contractors

When mechanical failures such as brake problems, tire blowouts, steering issues, or faulty doors are responsible for causing bus accidents, the parties responsible for maintaining the vehicle may be held liable. Negligent maintenance by a bus company, government agency, or third-party contractor may be addressed in a personal injury claim.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Bus Accident Lawyers

A bus accident can leave victims dealing with serious injuries and many legal questions. At Silverman Thompson, we can provide guidance and advocacy to recover financial compensation. Contact our Baltimore city bus and school bus accident attorneys at 410-385-2225 to arrange a free consultation with a member of our legal team.

Meet Our Bus Accident Lawyers

Andrew G. Slutkin, Senior Partner

Steven D. Silverman, Managing Partner

Ethan S. Nochumowitz, Partner

Jason T. Wasserman, Partner

Laura A. Simmons, Partner

Kurt E. Nachtman, Partner